The 2023 World Baseball Classic begins in March with a star-studded United States team looking to defend its 2017 title, the Americans’ first time winning the tournament that began in 2006.
Managed by 16-year veteran Mark DeRosa, Team USA’s 30-man roster features 21 All-Stars and four MVP winners – Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw and Paul Goldschmidt.
“I feel like the hype is a little bit higher this time around than it was in 2017. There’s more guys that want to do it,” third baseman Nolan Arenado said.
MLB OFFSEASON GRADES:How’d your team fare this winter?NEWSLETTER: Get the latest sports news straight to your inbox
Japan won the WBC in 2006 and 2009, with the Dominican Republic taking the title in 2013. The 2021 tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.
“The whole reason I signed up: trying to win this thing,” Trout told MLB Network. “There is nothing else. Anything else is a failure.”
The Americans begin pool play on March 11, playing four games in five days against Great Britain, Mexico, Canada and Colombia at Chase Field in Arizona. The top two teams advance from the group stage, followed by the single-elimination quarterfinals, semifinals and final at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
Here’s a look at the United States’ full roster and coaching staff:
Team USA 2023 World Baseball Classic roster
Pitchers
Jason Adam (Rays)Daniel Bard (Rockies)David Bednar (Pirates)Nestor Cortes (Yankees)Kendall Graveman (White Sox)Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks)Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)Lance Lynn (White Sox)Miles Mikolas (Cardinals)Adam Ottavino (Mets) Ryan Pressly (Astros)Brooks Raley (Mets)Brady Singer (Royals)Adam Wainwright (Cardinals)Devin Williams (Brewers)
Catchers
Kyle Higashioka (Yankees)J.T. Realmuto (Phillies)Will Smith (Dodgers)
Infielders
Pete Alonso (Mets)Tim Anderson (White Sox)Nolan Arenado (Cardinals)Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals)Trea Turner (Phillies)Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
Outfielders
Mookie Betts (Dodgers)Jeff McNeil (Mets)Cedric Mullins (Orioles)Kyle Schwarber (Phillies)Mike Trout (Angels)Kyle Tucker (Astros)
Team USA coaching staff
Mark DeRosa (manager)Jerry Manuel (bench coach)Brian McCann (bench coach)Ken Griffey Jr. (hitting coach)Andy Pettitte (pitching coach)Lou Collier (first base coach)Dino Ebel (third base coach)Dave Righetti (bullpen coach)